International Programs is proud to announce Zbigniew and Dorota Brzus of Bodaczów, Poland, as the 2024 International Parents of the Year. They are being recognized for their extraordinary journey from a small village in communist Poland to becoming successful entrepreneurs and pillars of their community while supporting their son Michal’s dreams of studying and swimming at Iowa.
“My parents’ story is one of triumph over adversity,” said Michal Brzus, a PhD candidate in electrical and computer engineering who will graduate in May 2025. “They started with nothing, persevered through countless challenges, and not only achieved success for themselves but consistently used their resources to help others.”
The Brzus’ journey began in neighboring Polish villages during the communist era, where they learned early lessons about hard work and family cooperation. After the fall of communism, Zbigniew sought seasonal farm work in Germany - despite not knowing the language - while Dorota pursued education, including studies in France - an experience that broadened her horizons and instilled in her a love for different cultures.
“From a young age, my parents pushed my brother and me to expand our horizons, learn new skills, and experience different cultures,” added Michal. “They took us on trips that broadened our perspectives, instilling in us a curiosity about the world that continues to drive us forward.”
In 1993, they launched a small bus transportation business that would grow from helping locals find seasonal work in Germany to becoming a successful tourist bus company operating throughout Europe. Their entrepreneurial spirit was tested during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they managed to keep their 31-year-old business afloat while protecting their employees’ livelihoods.
“What makes my parents truly unique is their remarkable ability to balance strictness and high expectations with unconditional trust and support,” Michal explained. Their dedication was exemplified through his swimming career. For five years, they would wake up at 5 a.m. to drive him to practice. When Michal suffered a spine injury, they drove him to Warsaw twice a week for rehabilitation - an eight-hour round trip - while managing their business and family responsibilities. This support enabled him to become a Polish national record holder and win numerous national titles, including a bronze medal at the 2015 European Games.
Yet they never allowed athletics to overshadow academics. They consistently emphasized the importance of educational excellence, helping Michal balance his rigorous training schedule with his studies. Later, when he made the life-changing decision to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Iowa, they stood firmly behind him, despite the challenge of sending their son halfway across the world.
Their commitment to community service has been equally impressive. Zbigniew served as president of the local soccer team for years, and when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, they volunteered their company’s resources to transport refugees from the border to Polish cities. They later assisted U.S. Army soldiers deployed to Poland in adapting to life in their country.
Dorota, described by Michal as “the bedrock of our family,” has been instrumental in both the family business’s success and in raising her children. “She’s been the archetype of an ideal mother,” Michal said, “always fighting for her children and ensuring we grew up to be gentlemen.”
Honorable Mentions for the 2024 International Parents of the Year
Bolaji Oladipo’s Parents: Timothy and Ronke Oladipo
Timothy and Ronke Oladipo, who live in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, have shown remarkable dedication in supporting their son, Bolaji, a PhD candidate in chemical and biochemical engineering set to graduate in 2027. Timothy, a civil servant, and Ronke, a trader, have always prioritized their children’s education despite their own limited educational opportunities.
“Their guidance and encouragement shaped me into the person I am today, now studying at the University of Iowa and pursuing dreams that they never had the chance to fulfill,” said Bolaji. “I am proud to be a first-generation college student. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has fueled my passion for education and driven me to break new ground in my field.”
Meina Zhang’s Parents: Zhang Fugong and Zhang Jinhua
Zhang Fugong and Zhang Jinhua, from Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China, have been pillars of support for their daughter, Meina, a PhD candidate in nursing who will graduate in May 2025. Zhang Fugong, a professor at Shanxi Medical University, is passionate about education and mentoring students, while Zhang Jinhua has built a successful career as a company leader and is deeply involved in community service. Their commitment has profoundly shaped their daughter Meina’s research journey at Iowa.
“Their belief in the power of education and perseverance has driven me to push boundaries and strive for excellence,” said Meina. “Their encouragement has allowed me to embrace the challenges of conducting research and studying in a foreign country, while pushing me to seize every opportunity for growth.”
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.